Empty Stocking has biggest day so far

The Gazette Empty Stocking Fund campaign started the week with some big support – a $5,000 grant from the Doctor Family Foundation.

Will MacDonald

The Gazette Empty Stocking Fund campaign started the week with some big support – a $5,000 grant from the Doctor Family Foundation.

That contribution along with other gifts received Monday gave the annual fund drive a major boost heading into the final two full weeks of the campaign. In fact, Monday marked the biggest day for donations since the start of the fund drive – bringing in $7,505.

The driving forces behind the Doctor Family Foundation are Mary and Don Doctor, Cramerton residents, who over the years have graciously shared their success in the business world with groups like the Salvation Army, which receives all the money raised through the Empty Stocking Fund campaign.

The Salvation Army relies on that support to operate its holiday outreach efforts, which provide everything from toys and warm clothes for children to food for their families. This year, more than 800 families asked for help through the army’s Christmas Bureau. It will also cover the cost of providing gifts and other necessities for seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living centers.

The Doctor Family Foundation was founded in 2007. In addition to helping nonprofits that aim to help people improve their lives, the foundation has also been a major supporter of initiatives that develop young artists, many through the Arts’ education department of Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Thank you to the Doctors and to everyone else who made a donation on Monday. I don’t think we can say that enough. Every contribution brings us closer to our goal. The campaign, which kicks off on Thanksgiving Day, continues through Christmas Eve. We’ll announce our total on Christmas Day.